Clematis X The President

President Clematis

Clematis × ‘The President’ is a historic, large-flowered clematis celebrated for its rich blue-violet blooms, strong substance, and reliable repeat flowering. Introduced in the late 1800s, it remains a benchmark variety for classic garden performance and color intensity.


Plant Profile
Type: Deciduous flowering vine

Mature Size:



Width: 3–5 ft



Height: 8–10 ft



Bloom:



Large (6–7 in.) star-shaped flowers



Deep blue-violet petals with a subtle sheen



Dark red-purple stamens



Main bloom in late spring to early summer with a dependable repeat bloom in late summer



Foliage: Medium green; clean and attractive

Zones: 4a–9b
Light: Full sun to partial shade (morning sun with afternoon shade preferred)
Soil: Moist, well-drained, fertile soils
Water: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture

Pruning Group: Group 2 (light to moderate pruning)


Features & Uses


Form: Upright to gently spreading climber with a balanced, classic habit



Excellent for trellises, pergolas, fences, obelisks, and arbors



One of the deepest blue-purple clematis for spring bloom



Holds color well with minimal fading



Excellent choice for traditional, formal, and cottage gardens




Care Notes


Prune lightly in early spring, removing dead or weak stems



After the first flush of blooms, lightly trim to encourage repeat flowering



Mulch roots to keep soil cool and evenly moist

Plant type

Vine

Height

12'

Width

12"

Hardiness zones

3–8

Sunlight

Full sun to part shade

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring, Spring, Summer

Flower color

Blue Violet

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Soil

Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Trellis

Shape

Climbing

Drought tolerant

No